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Invasive fish species – why are they a problem?

Last Updated: 23.09.23

Some of the fish species you may be interested in targeting have become or are usually considered invasive. The importance of these species is even greater as they seem to affect the natural habitat of the ones that already exist in the ecosystem they are conquering. Some of the biggest ecological disasters were caused by humans, considering that they are rarely aware of the negative impact that a new species might have on a certain type of environment. Almost everyone in the world has heard about the extraordinary destructions belonging to the rabbits, once they were brought in by settlers who colonized Australia. Even nowadays, this continent is suffering from the negative impact of this species, which seems to be capable of ravaging the lush vegetation that once was the staple of the area.

Invasive fish species

Around the globe, several fish species such as the walking catfish, the common carp, the brown trout, the Nile perch, and the largemouth bass are leaving their print on local ecosystems that are changing with every day that goes by. Why are these species considered invasive and destructive?

On the one hand, some fish are carnivorous and prey on other smaller fish that might be encountered in some unique areas. Therefore, if you were to target a particular small species, you might be unable to catch it in the future if it doesn’t exist on account of having been eaten by a larger predator. Besides, some species might even become extinct because of the same reason, whether we’re referring to fish, frogs, or any other small-size critters living in a certain area.

On the other hand, species such as the common carp are well-known for eating a lot of phytoplankton and plankton, which is why the food source of other water inhabitants might be endangered. It all boils down to this – the local legislation should be aware of the fact that some of these new fish have a hearty appetite for destruction, which is why the administration should notify fishermen in the area and give them a green light with regard to catching these detrimental species.

While the common carp might be less popular among anglers especially as its meat has a lot of bones and as such it might be more tedious to consume, other fish such as the walking catfish and the largemouth bass can be eaten without any cumbersome efforts. The Nile perch is yet another example of a fish of which the natural habitat is located in Ethiopia but currently resides in Lake Victoria, where it takes a toll on the native species. Just like others, the Nile perch is known for having a destructive appetite which results in the disappearance of hundreds of fish that are native to Lake Victoria. Finally, one of the most prejudicial species is the largemouth bass as not only can it consume fish, but also amphibians and even small birds.

 

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